Harvey County man hurt when train collides with his tractor

July 13, 2012|by John Boyd and Karl Man | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(HARVEY COUNTY, Kan.) — A 21-year-old man is critically hurt in Harvey County after his tractor is struck by a train. The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. Friday, near 127th St. E. & 125th St. N.

Photos from the Scene

Two farmers who saw the collision called 911. The train's conductor said he blew the horn as he approached the intersection, but officials say Jared Kornfeld didn't see or hear anything.

The accident happened in a very rural part of the Harvey County where there are no blinking lights or crossing guard arms on the railroad track.

Kornfeld was taken to a Wichita hospital via air ambulance, the Harvey County sheriff's office says Kornfeld is resting in ICU in stable condition as of Friday evening.

"When you are crossing these things slow down, check the area, scan-it...make sure there are no trains coming and the proceed", says Harvey County sheriff T. Walton.

Brandon Busenitz is friends with Kornfeld and he came by the accident site to see the damage to the tractor.

"It’s always an eye-opener when you see someone else get in an accident".

He says tractor versus train accidents happen from time to time out in the rural parts of Harvey County.

"You never know what is going to happen".

There was very little damage to the train according to officials...the tractor however is completely wrecked.

By mid-afternoon crews from Union Pacific using a specilized truck were able to clear the tracks.

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